Police are re-appealing for information as the search continues to locate a Victorian man whose last known whereabouts were the Wollongong area ten years ago.
In October 2014, Atilla Bogar, aged 35, left Melbourne, Victoria in an Audi SUV with the intention to travel to Sydney.
About 4.30pm on Friday 17 October 2014, officers attached to Wollongong Police District located Atilla's vehicle abandoned on Picton Road, about 6km west of Mount Ousley.
Police – along with the SES, RFS, and local volunteers – searched the area multiple times but found no sign of Atilla.
In May 2020, the NSW Coroner handed down their findings into Atilla's disappearance, concluding he was likely still alive, and the matter was returned to police for further investigation.
As inquiries to locate Atilla continue, police are re-appealing for information from the public that may assist.
Atilla is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 180cm tall with medium build, dark brown short hair, unshaven and was believed to be dressed in jeans and t-shirt when he disappeared.
Detective Inspector Ritchie Sim, Manager of the Missing Persons Registry, has reassured the public that police 'Always Searching' for missing people.
"Atilla has been missing for ten years. That is ten years that his family and friends has had to spend without their son, brother and mate.
"During this time detectives have not given up trying to find Atilla and won't give up until they find answers for his family." Det Insp Sim said.
"This year, NSW Police have received 5,533 reports of missing people. Of these 5,460 people have been located, and where possible, provided assistance and returned to their loved ones. However, there are 73 still outstanding at this time".
"Police are always searching for these missing loved ones with the goal of returning them to their families, or at least, trying to provide them answers." Det Insp Sim said.
Missing Persons Week is an annual national campaign to raise awareness of the issues and impacts surrounding missing persons and runs between Sunday 28 July and Saturday 3 August 2024.
This year's 'Always Searching' campaign focuses on the continuing efforts of police to solve missing persons investigations.
If you have been reported as missing it means that someone is concerned about your safety and welfare. It is not a crime to go missing. You should attend the nearest police station with identification so that Police can ascertain that you are safe and well.
For more information on the campaign visit www.missingpersons.gov.au
As inquiries continue, police are appealing for anyone with information that may assist investigators to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
